𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 ~ T. Nichols

Feel The Night

"A little to the left," Tory said, footing the step ladder as she watched Theo hang fairy lights around the ceiling. Christmas was fast approaching and she had called her boyfriend to help her decorate the apartment.

Grace and Elise were sat on the sofa, a cup of coffee in their hands as they smiled at their children working together.

"Am I going left or right, because you've changed your mind about eight times now," Theo said in mock frustration. In response, Tory clicked the button to turn the lights on, temporarily blinding him which caused the three women to laugh.

"How about you just do as I say instead?" Tory teased, her hand on Theo's back as he wobbled slightly.

"Yes ma'am," Theo mumbled, going back to it.

—————

Tory, Theo, Robby, Kyler, Hawk and a few others stood in a small clearing behind the zoo.

"Remember, we've got one shot at this. Quick, in and out, we'll be good," Theo said. He turned to Kyler, who wore a confident grin. "Know what to do?"

"Hell yeah," Kyler replied.

Tory crossed her arms, a teasing smirk on her face. "Someone took their time," she said, glancing at Robby, who had just arrived.

"Yeah, you invited him?" Hawk asked, tilting his head toward Robby with a hint of skepticism.

Tory nodded, not backing down. "Theo and I did. Got a problem with that?"

"Here you go, Keene," Kyler said, holding out a beer towards Robby.

Robby shook his head firmly. "I'm good."

Hawk rolled his eyes, a smirk on his lips. "What, can't handle a sip of beer?"

Robby shrugged, his expression steady. "I don't need to pretend to be cool."

Theo stepped in, laughing. "Yeah, you'll fit in just fine," he said, patting Robby on the back. "Let's go!" Theo said, moving towards the chainlink fence at the edge of the clearing. He held it open for the others to climb through, glancing back to make sure everyone was following.

As Tory climbed through, she turned back to Robby with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. It's not gonna violate your probation. You got outta juvie, not Sing Sing."

Robby raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You resorting to peer pressure?"

Theo chimed in with a laugh, "Yeah, it's kinda her thing."

Tory shot him a playful punch in the stomach, grinning as she kissed his cheek. The three of them made it to the other side, joining their friends who were already waiting.

"Why do we have to sneak in?" Robby asked, looking around as if trying to gauge the situation.

"Trust me, you'll see," Tory said with a grin.

"Right, there are two cameras over there. The guard goes on break once every hour," he whispered, his focus unwavering.

Hawk glanced at his watch, anxiety creeping into his voice. "So we have less than five minutes."

Robby, still trying to wrap his head around the plan, asked, "Five minutes to do what?"

Tory stepped forward, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "We're getting a little gift for the Senseis," she said, her excitement palpable as they approached the door marked 'REPTILE ROOM, DO NOT ENTER, STAFF ONLY.'

"There she is," Theo said, pointing to the snake inside the enclosure, his voice barely above a whisper.

He whistled lowly, crouching down to get a better look at the striking creature coiled inside the box. "You got the snake pole?"